SSEN Transmission's Dunoon Overhead Line Rebuild Project moves towards main construction phase
Image:Transmission towers beside a loch with snow-covered mountains in the background.
SSEN Transmission's project to reinforce the high-voltage electricity network in the Dunoon area is taking another significant step forward, with main construction activities set to get underway later this month.
The Dunoon Overhead Line Rebuild Project involves replacing the existing double circuit 132kV overhead line connecting Dunoon to the national grid, enhancing the resilience of the local electricity network and replacing ageing infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1970s. The investment will help future‑proof the transmission network across Argyll and Bute, supporting long‑term reliability and security of supply.
The project received its Section 37 consent from Scottish Ministers in October 2025, with teams moving at pace to begin main construction work later this month.
In preparation for the start of main construction, a programme of local road improvements has now been completed. This has included widening sections of road and creating additional passing places, primarily in the Ardentinny area, to facilitate the safe movement of construction traffic throughout the project.
Over the coming weeks, construction will begin on a network of access tracks that will enable teams to safely reach tower locations along the route. Forestry work is also due to begin shortly to clear sections of land required for the future access tracks and overhead line corridor, with this activity expected to continue over the next 18 months.
Construction compounds are also set to be established at both ends of the route, at Sandbank Industrial Estate and Gairletter. These facilities will serve as operational hubs for project teams and contractors throughout the construction programme.
Paul Ferguson, Project Manager for SSEN Transmission's Dunoon Overhead Line Rebuild Project, said:
"This is an important milestone for the project as we move from the preparation phase into the start of main construction activities. Over recent months, we've worked closely with local stakeholders and communities as we completed the necessary road improvements ahead of construction. I'd like to thank residents and road users for their patience and understanding while this work has been carried out. As activity increases on site in the coming weeks, we remain committed to keeping local communities informed and minimising disruption wherever possible, while delivering the infrastructure needed to support a resilient electricity network for the future."
The Dunoon overhead line rebuilt project involves the installation and operation of approximately 18km of replacement double-circuit overhead line between Dunoon Substation and west of where the overhead line crosses Loch Long. This includes installing 77 new steel towers varying between 23m and 39m tall, at spans of around 230m on average.
The network to the east of Loch Long is operated by SP Energy Networks, where the Dunoon rebuild project will connect in.
Once the new line is operational, the existing 132kV line will be dismantled and removed.
The project forms part of our wider investment in the north of Scotland's electricity network, helping to increase network resilience and support the transition to a cleaner energy system.
To find out more about the project, visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/dunoon-overhead-line-rebuild-project/